Guildwars 2 Beta Thread

[GaiaHunter]

That is a good question. Just how flexible will Guild Wars allow group composition when it comes to the higher difficulty areas. I'm sure people will be able to run a wide variety of diverse groups comes to areas with a larger margin of error, but if there are dungeon bosses that require X damage, Y surv, Z planning, etc, can you run in with 5 squishy mages as opposed to having a required number of damage eaters to actually down content?

Supposedly you can.

A few reasons, but maybe there are more:

1st) No one is really a damage eater;

2nd) Squishy mages can be very though, due to skills (like the Necromancer death shroud or elementalist obsidian flesh), traits that give defensive bonus, raising your toughness attribute, etc.

3rd) there are a few pet skills, illusions, etc.

 

[zokudu]

That is a good question. Just how flexible will Guild Wars allow group composition when it comes to the higher difficulty areas. I'm sure people will be able to run a wide variety of diverse groups comes to areas with a larger margin of error, but if there are dungeon bosses that require X damage, Y surv, Z planning, etc, can you run in with 5 squishy mages as opposed to having a required number of damage eaters to actually down content?

Yes.

 

[zinfamous]

Yes.

I'm thinking that like mages in GW1, with skills like Obsidian Flesh and other earth tree skills, you can make mages very much unsquishy for a certain amount of time.

The way you can change skillsets and builds on the fly with GW2--unlike with GW1 which locks you into a single build within each instance--this makes any kind of group very flexible. rotate backline to frontline at 3x2 with a team of mages, as you have limited durations on earth skills, rinse and repeat.

 

[videogames101]

Yes.

Then something is too easy =D

 

[zokudu]

Then something is too easy =D

Says who? A warrior can take hits for a set amount of time through the usage of stuns, knockdowns and dodging. An elementalist can take hits for a set amount of time through the usage of stuns, knockdown, armor buffs, and dodging.

Every class has the tools to avoid taking damage and absorb some. How does that make things too easy? Why does one class have to be able to take more hits than another class? An elementalist gives up a utility slot as well as damaging potential to absorb damage just like a mace/shield warrior gives up damage.

In you're standard wow clone MMO you have more than 1 tank class right? More than 1 healing class? More than 1 damage class? What's stopping Arenanet from giving the tools to absorb damage to everyone, the ability to heal yourself to everyone?

Why is that a stipulation to making content "hard"

I will bet you a group of 5 thieves will play differently than a group of 1 guardian, 1 elementalist, 1 ranger, 1 necromancer, and 1 engineer. Why should the group of thieves be told no to finishing content because they are the thief? Maybe they like the class or initiative?

 

[videogames101]

Says who? A warrior can take hits for a set amount of time through the usage of stuns, knockdowns and dodging. An elementalist can take hits for a set amount of time through the usage of stuns, knockdown, armor buffs, and dodging.

Every class has the tools to avoid taking damage and absorb some. How does that make things too easy? Why does one class have to be able to take more hits than another class? An elementalist gives up a utility slot as well as damaging potential to absorb damage just like a mace/shield warrior gives up damage.

In you're standard wow clone MMO you have more than 1 tank class right? More than 1 healing class? More than 1 damage class? What's stopping Arenanet from giving the tools to absorb damage to everyone, the ability to heal yourself to everyone?

Why is that a stipulation to making content "hard"

I will bet you a group of 5 thieves will play differently than a group of 1 guardian, 1 elementalist, 1 ranger, 1 necromancer, and 1 engineer. Why should the group of thieves be told no to finishing content because they are the thief? Maybe they like the class or initiative?

If a boss can be defeated by any combination of classes than either

A) Each class has the exact same functionality (Why have classes at all then?)

B) The boss is just easy (Let's assume this isn't true.)

C) Each class performs each function in a different way, less or more effectively (for example, it's probably a safe assumption that warriors will be better tanks than thieves, if even slightly). Given that, having a warrior will be more effective at taking hits than a thief, if even slightly. Given that, if you don't use a warrior to tank hits then you're fighting in way that is sub-optimal. If a boss can be defeated in a sub-optimal way, it's too easy.

 

[GaiaHunter]

If a boss can be defeated by any combination of classes than either

A) Each class has the exact same functionality (Why have classes at all then?)

B) The boss is just easy (Let's assume this isn't true.)

C) Each class performs each function in a different way, less or more effectively (for example, it's probably a safe assumption that warriors will be better tanks than thieves, if even slightly). Given that, having a warrior will be more effective at taking hits than a thief, if even slightly. Given that, if you don't use a warrior to tank hits then you're fighting in way that is sub-optimal. If a boss can be defeated in a sub-optimal way, it's too easy.

What if the game isn't designed at around the concept of tanking/absorbing hits but just not dying?

A Warrior might take one more hit to die while its dealing its damage but the Thief might be able to use its Flanking Strike or maybe he will Roll for Initiative or Withdraw and avoid the enemy hit that the warrior would absorb but would kill the thief?

The game is just much more focused on wasting time of the enemy not by setting an invincible tank but by a series of targets that will be invincible (for short periods of time) because they are avoiding the attacks.

If you are being hit you are doing it wrong (well everyone has a threshold of hits they can manage, and this may vary a bit, but the difference, against mobs that matter will be 1 or 2 attacks. Maybe the warrior instead of having to dodge or use its escape mechanisms on every hit may be able to choose to absorb the less powerful attacks but he can't take all of them and then there is no one that will be able to refill his health so he can stay there.

It is all about movement.

Well anyway, you said you would buy the game, so you have some faith on Anet.

I guess this is one if the thing that one will have to see to believe. Maybe, given that I have a long experience of GW (even though GW2 will be different) it is a logical step from GW to GW2, while if one is used to the EverQuest/WoW/SWTOR model of combat it might seem impossible and/or an alien concept.

Additionally I also think that since one is responsible for the majority of its own heals and survival, is required to do damage (since it is impossible to assume the traditional healers and tank role) and provide support, greatly focusing on one aspect (survival, damage, heal) at the expenses of the other, might be for the first time (in the MMORPG and RPG genre) the suboptimal route, while the jack of all trades might actually be the optimal build. We will have to wait and see and if the game offers compelling variety on how to achieve these goals.

Edit: And I'm not saying this is better or worse system (nor is GW2 innovations restricted to combat), although I think I prefer this system myself. I guess some people will prefer the more formal, organized combat system, while others will enjoy the more chaotic and movement packed (I really want to say static and dynamic, but these words generally have bad and good connotations).

 

[MrDuma]

anyone has any idea if there will be more beta keys released in the future?

 

[GaiaHunter]

anyone has any idea if there will be more beta keys released in the future?

As in after the end march one, even if you didn't pre-purchased you can still get into the April and other betas?

This post by Regina Buenaobra, is the best I can find:

Is Pre-Purchase the only way to get into Guild Wars 2 Beta Weekend Events?
Pre-Purchase is the only guaranteed way to get into all Beta Weekend Events. We will also be running promotions for access to individual Beta Weekend Events.

I already signed up for the Guild Wars 2 Beta. Do I need to Pre-Purchase?
If you want to get guaranteed access to all Beta Weekend Events, yes, you must Pre-Purchase. Simply signing up for the Beta does not guarantee access to the Beta Weekend Events.

 

[zokudu]

anyone has any idea if there will be more beta keys released in the future?

Do we know yet if March keys have gone out yet. If anyone has gotten a key and you're really worried about NDA I would still like to know so maybe PM me? I just want to stop staring at my inbox and praying.

Also from that link GaiaHunter posted, th standard edition comes with all the digital items and the full collectors comes with only the physical as a bonus? There's only 1 mention of Digital Deluxe but it also says standard comes with the digital items and the headstart.

 

[GaiaHunter]

Do we know yet if March keys have gone out yet. If anyone has gotten a key and you're really worried about NDA I would still like to know so maybe PM me? I just want to stop staring at my inbox and praying.

Also from that link GaiaHunter posted, th standard edition comes with all the digital items and the full collectors comes with only the physical as a bonus? There's only 1 mention of Digital Deluxe but it also says standard comes with the digital items and the headstart.

3 versions, Digital Standard ($60/€55), Digital Deluxe($79.99/€75) and Collectors Edition ($150/€150).

All pre-purchased through Anet/NCSOFT get:

-> Guaranteed entry on all betas (starting in April and forwards);
-> 3 day head start;
-> Hero's band (low level ring).

In addition Digital Deluxe gets:
_> Summon Mistfire Wolf Elite Skill (a skill to help level early game, much like the fire imp from GW1);
-> Miniature Rytlock ;
-> Golem banker (5 day item, then expires, allows access to storage from anywhere in the world);
-> 1xuse chalice of glory that gives pvp points that can be spent in pretty pvp equipment at your choice;
-> 1xuse tome of power (gives influence that can be used to buy stuff for guilds).

In addition to everything posted above, the collectors editon gets:
-> a 10 inch statue of Rytlock;
-> 1 custom art frame;
-> art portfolio and 5 art prints:
-> 112 making of and art book;
-> Best of Guild Wars 2 soundtrack;
-> all comes in a nice metal box.

Check here.

By the way it seems ANET/NCSoft won't sell the Collectors Edition or any other physical editions directly.

From here

Which products are available for Pre-Purchase?
Customers will be able to Pre-Purchase the Guild Wars 2 Digital Edition and the Guild Wars 2 Digital Deluxe Edition directly from NCsoft. In addition to the digital products, certain retailers will also be offering physical Pre-Purchase of the Guild Wars 2 Standard Edition and the Guild Wars 2 Collector's Edition.

How does physical Pre-Purchase work?
Physical Pre-Purchase for Guild Wars 2 is only available at select retailers. The details of how this will work will differ slightly depending on which edition customers purchase and where they purchase it.

Standard Edition (North America) — Customers will buy the Standard Edition Pre-Purchase box and receive a Pre-Purchase serial code. They will then go to https://register.guildwars2.com and follow the on-screen instructions to create a Guild Wars 2 account and apply the serial code, which will give them access to Beta Weekend Events and three-day Headstart access to the final game. When Guild Wars 2 launches, customers will need to return to the retailer with proof of purchase to receive the full Standard Edition box and retail serial code. They will need to apply this retail serial code to their Guild Wars 2 account within five days to continue playing without interruption.
Standard Edition (Europe) — Customers will buy the Standard Edition Pre-Purchase box and receive their serial code. This is the only serial code customers will receive and will grant access to the Beta Weekend Events, three-day Headstart Access, the Hero's Band digital item, and full access to the final live game. Customers will not need to return to retail to receive another serial code.
Collector's Edition (North America and Europe) — Customers will buy the Collector's Edition Pre-Purchase box and receive a Pre-Purchase serial code. They will then go to https://register.guildwars2.com and follow the on-screen instructions to create a Guild Wars account and apply the serial code, which will give them access to Beta Weekend Events and three-day Headstart Access to the final game. When Guild Wars 2 launches, customers will need to return to their retailer with proof of purchase to receive the full Collector's Edition box with physical items and retail serial code. They will need to apply this retail serial code to their Guild Wars 2 account within five days to continue playing without interruption.


We will continue to monitor common questions and answers from all of our communities, and if appropriate, update the FAQ at a later date.

 

[gothamhunter]

So what are your guy's opinions on the edition breakdowns? Does it seem worth the extra $20 for those DD items?

 

[GaiaHunter]

So what are your guy's opinions on the edition breakdowns? Does it seem worth the extra $20 for those DD items?

I'll be getting the DD, you don't really need them but my GF and myself have been avid miniature collectors, so it is nice to have it. Although it doesn't seems as good as the Guild Wars: Faction Kuunavang (which sells for over 360K in game money, although the nightfall one only sells for around 100K).

The only other item I really care about is the Tome. I'm definitely rebuilding my Guild Wars guild, so 2x tomes should be enough to buy some stuff for our Guild (and we know some friends will be coming as well so quicker goodies).

Unfortunately no Guild Halls on the initial release.

Compared to the bunch of stuff coming from the Guild Wars HoM (50/50 here), it isn't much.

If you aren't really worried on having every last bit in the game, it is quite feasible to just go for the standard, you not losing much, and save $20 to buy more useful stuff from the Guild Wars in game shop, like character slots (I have like 20 or 22 in the original GW, so I know I'll be buying at least 1 per profession).

Or just use those $20 to buy the original guild wars if you don't have it and get some items from there (you can keep working in it even after GW2 has been released). I can see some guilds going to do some FoW for the good old days and to help that player that only arrived at the world of Guild Wars with GW2. Or maybe I'm just wrong and that wont happen.

Actually even just buying all the guild wars games and only playing a few hours will give you 3 points (for having all the campaigns linked+arriving at the HoM outpost) which gives you 3 armor pieces for all your characters plus the ability to reserve names of your characters that have at least 2 words (you can't make 1 words names on Guild Wars 1 but you can on Guild Wars 2).

 

[zinfamous]

Do we know yet if March keys have gone out yet. If anyone has gotten a key and you're really worried about NDA I would still like to know so maybe PM me? I just want to stop staring at my inbox and praying.

Also from that link GaiaHunter posted, th standard edition comes with all the digital items and the full collectors comes with only the physical as a bonus? There's only 1 mention of Digital Deluxe but it also says standard comes with the digital items and the headstart.

the pre-purchase info confuses me regarding Beta access.

If it is not available for pre-purchase until April 10, and it gives you access to All Beta Weekends, then I have to assume that Beta keys will not be released until some time in April, no?

 

[GaiaHunter]

the pre-purchase info confuses me regarding Beta access.

If it is not available for pre-purchase until April 10, and it gives you access to All Beta Weekends, then I have to assume that Beta keys will not be released until some time in April, no?

In March closed Beta.
That one was the Beta we all signed up for.

In April, another Beta, seems like OPEN (no NDA). That one (and any other possible but not confirmed betas) are the one people pre-purchasing on the 10 of April will have access too.

Unless they cancelled the march one and go all nuts from small closed controlled betas to GIGANTIC uncontrolled beta.

 

[VashHT]

the pre-purchase info confuses me regarding Beta access.

If it is not available for pre-purchase until April 10, and it gives you access to All Beta Weekends, then I have to assume that Beta keys will not be released until some time in April, no?

That's what I was thinking, I bet they won't send out any invites for a couple weeks.

 

[GaiaHunter]

That's what I was thinking, I bet they won't send out any invites for a couple weeks.

They probably will let you pre download.

 

[hellfire88]

I'll probably be pre-ordering 2x Digital Deluxe versions. Still debating if I want to get GW1 now to ramp up to GW2 and unlock some things. Whats the best price you can get for the whole set (Prophecies, Factions, Nightfall, Eye of the North)? If its like $30 I might do it, but will be kinda boring with not many people to play with.

 

[zinfamous]

I'll probably be pre-ordering 2x Digital Deluxe versions. Still debating if I want to get GW1 now to ramp up to GW2 and unlock some things. Whats the best price you can get for the whole set (Prophecies, Factions, Nightfall, Eye of the North)? If its like $30 I might do it, but will be kinda boring with not many people to play with.

it's about $30 for all, iirc. The main trilogy is usually $20, EoTN is $10....which seems odd. Maybe it is $30/$10.

at least, it's been on sale for that price a few times.

This seems to be the current cheapest offer

http://www.amazon.com/Guild-Wars-Platinum-Pc/dp/B0013EEJM2/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1331743306&sr=8-6

 

[GaiaHunter]

I'll probably be pre-ordering 2x Digital Deluxe versions. Still debating if I want to get GW1 now to ramp up to GW2 and unlock some things. Whats the best price you can get for the whole set (Prophecies, Factions, Nightfall, Eye of the North)? If its like $30 I might do it, but will be kinda boring with not many people to play with.

GuildWars complete edition S29.99.
http://www.gamestop.com/pc/games/guild-wars-complete-collection/98664

The game can be played solo (with heroes and henchmen) but with 2 people is a really good experience.

 

[hellfire88]

Thanks guys, $30 for all 3 games + 1 expansion is a pretty great price. I regret selling my original GW1 account, and not looking forward to running through everything again

 

[GaiaHunter]

Thanks guys, $30 for all 3 games + 1 expansion is a pretty great price. I regret selling my original GW1 account, and not looking forward to running through everything again

Then don't.

If you not going to have fun, what is the point?

It is just aesthetic items.

 

[gothamhunter]

Anyknow know anything about being able to dualbox GW? I FINALLY got access to my old hacked GW account, and it's loaded with minis that I want to xfer over lol. Otherwise I suppose I could create a VM...:hmm:

 

[GaiaHunter]

Anyknow know anything about being able to dualbox GW? I FINALLY got access to my old hacked GW account, and it's loaded with minis that I want to xfer over lol. Otherwise I suppose I could create a VM...:hmm:

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/introducing-guild-wars-multi-launch-t10373154.html
Dual, trippling infinity GWs. Have fun.

Any doubts say.

 

[gothamhunter]

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/introducing-guild-wars-multi-launch-t10373154.html
Dual, trippling infinity GWs. Have fun.

Any doubts say.

Sweet. I can't wait until it's like the month before and mini's are selling like crazy.